Adaptive Wakeboarding: A Case Report on Equipment Modifications and Strength Training for Improved Performance

Individuals with disabilities often face internal and environmental barriers that limit participation in adaptive sports. In many cases, the necessary equipment is unavailable, requiring individuals to create their own modifications, an approach that can be time-consuming and pose safety risks. This case report addresses a gap in the literature concerning the specific needs of individuals with neurological conditions in adaptive sports. This case study employed a multimodal intervention to modify an adaptive wakeboard and enhance functional performance for a participant with spastic hemiparesis cerebral palsy. The participant, limited to functional use of her left upper extremity, experienced severe pain and fatigue during wakeboarding, which negatively impacted her posture, performance, and quality of life. Following equipment modifications and a twelve-week strength training program, the participant demonstrated augmented performance, a 605% increase in ride time, and greater participation in the sport, alongside a marked improvement in quality of life. The participant’s motivation and success may have been lower if the adaptive sport did not align with her interests, highlighting the importance of self-direction and autonomy.